Action Henk

Action Henk — Review

Game Information

  • Genre: Action / Racing Platformer
  • Developer: RageSquid
  • Publisher: Team17
  • Release Date: 2016
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
  • Game Mode Played: Single-player, Local Multiplayer
  • Completion Status: Completed all main levels and bonus challenges

Introduction 

 

Action Henk is all about keeping your speed up. RageSquid made this platformer where how you move really matters. It mixes fast runs with tight controls, so every jump and roll keeps you going.

I beat all the levels and spent ages trying to get faster, and it turns out that Action Henk is way deeper than it looks. It starts out as this weird, bright platformer, but it soon becomes a tough game where you need to get physics, react fast, and plan your route really well. You’re always trying to cut tiny bits of time off your runs – and somehow, messing up is still fun.

Gameplay - 9/10

 

In Action Henk, the name of the game is keeping your speed up. Jumping, rolling, sliding, and launching off ramps all depend on getting how speed and physics work. Unlike regular platformers, stopping is usually the worst thing you can do.

The levels aren't long, but they're well-made, so you’ll want to try stuff and play them again. You don't just have to be precise to win. You have to be able to read the land, link your moves, and go for tricky routes. When it all works out, it feels really good.

It gets harder little by little, with new stuff to learn and tougher courses. The beginning is easy, but later on, you'll need to play almost perfectly. Since you can restart right away, it's not a pain to keep trying, which makes the game great for speedrunning.

Visuals - 8/10

 

Action Henk has a cool, cartoony look with over-the-top characters and colorful, toy-like settings. This fun style really balances out the tough gameplay, so you do not get too annoyed.

The animation is clear and lively, so you can easily see how fast you're going and nail those jumps and landings right away. The graphics might not be super advanced, but they totally work and have a lot of charm.

Audio - 7.5/10

 

The music is super energetic and fits the game's speed perfectly. It keeps you pumped without getting annoying, so you want to keep playing.

Sound effects are clear and do the job, giving you good feedback for jumps and crashes. The sound doesn't really *do* anything, but it makes the game feel way faster and smoother.

Story - 4.5/10

 

Action Henk doesn't have a story to tell. It's just about a toy dude running wild through courses.

The plot is all about you getting better: nailing times, grabbing medals, and conquering levels that get harder and harder. The game knows what it's good at and sticks to it.

Bugs & Technical Performance - 8.5/10

 

Action Henk runs pretty well, tech-wise. It's smooth, with steady frame rates and fast loading on all systems.

The physics are dependable, which is super important since the game relies on speed. The camera can be a little weird when you're going really fast, but it doesn't usually mess up the game.

Replayability - 9/10

 

If you're into getting better at games and competing, you'll probably play this one a lot. The leaderboards, medals, and time trials always give you a reason to try levels again and get your route perfect.

Playing with friends locally makes it even better, turning it into a fun party game. Even though there isn't a ton of stuff to do besides trying to beat the clock, the game is fun enough that replaying it doesn't get boring.

Final Verdict - 8.5/10

 

Action Henk is a platformer all about physics. What makes it great is how well it sticks to that idea. You get rewarded for being brave, trying new things, and not giving up. It always pushes you to get better.

If you're into speedrunning, getting momentum just right, and beating your own records, Action Henk is a totally awesome and satisfying game.

Score 8.5-orig out of 10

PROS / CONS

  • Brilliant momentum-based gameplay
  • Speedrunning-friendly level design
  • Instant restarts encourage mastery
  • Strong visual personality
  • Excellent replay value for competitive players
  • Minimal narrative or world-building
  • Can become very demanding in later levels
  • Limited appeal for players who dislike repetition